M R Doreswamy is singing the official tune since the BJP has made him an MLC
M R Doreswamy is singing the official tune since the BJP has made him an MLC
Lalbagh walkers are feeling betrayed because their chief patron is toeing the government line and refusing to protest against the proposed metro work.
BJP MLC M R Doreswamy, chief patron of the Lalbagh Walkers' Association, was nowhere to be seen when walkers including environment support groups like Maraa, Hasiru Usiru and residents staged a protest on Wednesday.
"I endorse the state government's move," said Doreswamy. "I have visited the place and there is no point in opposing it as the project is being carried out in the larger interest of the public. I won't participate in any of the protests."
He will not participate in a similar protest scheduled for today too.
Walkers accuse Doreswamy of playing politics while he is supposed to be fighting for the heritage park.
"He is cheating us," said Kiran N R, a regular walker in Lalbagh." We will take up the issue in our association."
Returning the favour?
Walkers say Doreswamy's about turn is his way of expressing his gratitude to the BJP which nominated him to the legislative council.
"He is certainly not representing us," said a senior citizen who doesn't want to be named. "He is bringing politics here and with the destruction of Lalbagh, Bangalore will suffer."
Doreswamy's stand has drawn criticism from environmentalists too.
"Doreswamy's stand will only lead to the cutting of age-old trees in Lalbagh. As a man leading the association, he should bring in more people to fight against such things," said B N Shivshankar, founder, Mukthidama, a trust working for a green Bangalore.u00a0
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